The email subject line caught my attention: “Still interested in the Cutlass?” Mom’s car. My finger paused over the computer mouse.
Mom’s 1971 green Cutlass car was a timeless beauty. My favorite childhood memories were of us riding in it. Mom always wore her big sunglasses, with a scarf tied carefully over her head to protect her salon-styled hair. I felt I was riding with a Hollywood star.
These memories were all I had left of Mom. She’d died when I was only 15. Many of her things were given away or sold. The Cutlass had been bought by a collector in Michigan. I’d connected with him years before, asking if he might be interested in selling. He’d politely demurred.
Still, I couldn’t let go of the idea of one day owning it, especially after I got married and became a father. With my daughter, Arden, now 11 and my son, Hudson, now 7. I wished my mom was there to see us all. I told my kids stories about their grandmother. But a story wasn’t the same as a real connection. I’d often imagined that a ride in Mom’s car would change all of that.
Now here was this email. I opened it. “Several people have asked to purchase that classic car.” it read. “It’s time to sell, but I wanted to give you the first option to buy if you’re still interested,” “Absolutely!” I typed.
The day when I drove to check on the car, the collector passed me a small bag. “Mom’s sunglasses!” I cried as I opened the bag.
Finally, the car was transported to my house. My wife took pictures of the “first ride” as the kids climbed in and sat where I had sat so many years ago with my mom behind the wheel. I brought Mom’s glasses into the car with me.
“Can I wear them?” Arden asked, as I started the car.
“You bet,” I said.
I knew Mom loved that.
【小题1】What is the author’s impression of his mom?| A．Aggressive. | B．Distant. | C．Conservative. | D．Fashionable. |
| A．Appeared. | B．Refused. | C．Answered. | D．Continued. |
| A．To sell the car at a much higher price. |
| B．To sec his interest in selling antiques. |
| C．To offer him an opportunity to get the car. |
| D．To tell him the popularity of his mom’s car. |
| A．A surprising email. | B．A family connection. |
| C．A childhood adventure. | D．A shopping experience. |
How to Say Anything
Could you use some advice? Or has something big happened? Our tips can help you say anything to your parents.
Pick the right time. You need your parents’ full attention in order to have a good talk. Try not to bring up something when it’s past your bedtime or when your parent is in a rush.
Go slowly. What you need to say probably isn’t simple, so don’t try to get it all out in one breath. Give your parents the details they need to make a decision before you start trying to bargain with them. Besides, another thing is also of great importance.
Be honest. Your parents will respond better if you believe that you’re telling the truth and not trying to avoid blame. Take responsibility for your part in getting into trouble or earning a bad grade.
Try, try again. When you fly off the handle, your parents have a hard time seeing your point of view. If you’re angry or frustrated, take a break from the conversation. Excuse yourself, and go somewhere to cool off.
Be brave.
| A．If you’ve done something wrong, admit it. |
| B．After all, details determine success or failure. |
| C．Remember that conversation is about give and take. |
| D．If your parents are occupied, make an “appointment”. |
| E．Your conversation will be reduced to a terrible quarrel. |
| F．Gather your thoughts and try talking to your parents again. |
| G．You might have a question for long before you get up the courage to let it out. |
“Why can’t you be like my co-worker’s son?” she bemoans (哀叹) all the time. Her coworker’s son received a four-year scholarship and is now earning 70,000 dollars a year as an engineer. I don’t know what to answer except that I simply can’t be like Mr. Perfect as I’ve called the unnamed co-worker’s son. I can’t be like him. I am the type of the person who loved to help out in the community, write until the sun goes down, and most of all, wants to achieve a career because I love it, not because of a fame or salary.
I understand why my mother is worried about my future major. I’ve seen my mother struggle to raise me on her small salary and work long hours. She leaves the house around 6:30 am and usually comes home around 5 pm or even 6pm. However, I want her to know that by becoming a doctor, it doesn’t mean I’ll be successful. I’d rather follow my dreams and create my own future.
【小题1】Which of the following topics do the writer and his mother often talk about?
| A．the writer’s studies | B．the writer’s future job |
| C．dinner plans | D．wars around the world |
| A．doesn’t want the writer to major English |
| B．doesn’t think the writer should be a doctor |
| C．gets along very well with the writer |
| D．doesn’t think working in the scientific field is a good idea |
| A．He wants to be like his mother’s co-worker’s son. |
| B．He wants to find a job in his community in the future. |
| C．He doesn’t think his mother’s co-worker’s son is perfect. |
| D．He wants to do something he really likes in the future. |
Following Christmas dinner, my family was relaxing around the kitchen table. We had all enjoyed traditional turkey, sweet potatoes lightly coated with brown sugar. The good cooking smells still stayed. Dad had risen from his chair and was contentedly standing nearby.
My nephew, Andrew, never one to sit still for too long, began dribbling (运球) his new basketball. Upon nearing Dad, he stopped — almost uncertainly. With shaking, wrinkled hands, Dad had reached out for the ball. He did not speak, and the boy, confused, looked up and over at us. It took some convincing, but the ball was carefully passed over.
A playful smile appeared on his face. The twinkle in his eyes shone brighter than any Christmas lights. Holding the ball and reaching forward, Dad bounced it on the floor then caught it. Gently throwing the ball away, Dad began a game of catch. His active participation was remarkable to me, since he had advanced Alzheimer’s disease. It had robbed him of many memories and the recognition of people, places and points in time. Despite this, Dad clearly recognized the ball and what you could do with it.
In my younger years, playing with Dad was rare. To his credit, Dad worked hard and provided for us. He was very private and never showed or shared much emotion, His game of choice was chess, which he did eventually teach me how to play. As an adult, I had become a caregiver and watched helplessly as Dad declined. Connecting moments between father and son had been few and far between before he took the basketball.
I’m not sure how long we played catch. What I do know is that our game ended all too soon, and it was time to face the reality of dirty dishes piled high on counter-tops. The moment, though, will certainly linger forever. On this Christmas, Dad gave me a special memory — one that I will always treasure. These stories about meeting Santa will fill you with Christmas spirit.
【小题1】How did Andrew react to Dad’s request in the beginning?| A．He hesitated to pass the ball. | B．He invited Dad to the game. |
| C．He observed Dad carefully. | D．He cheered for Dad’s recovery. |
| A．A doug teacher. | B．A true-worthy friend |
| C．A hardworking breadwinner. | D．A helpless caregiver. |
| A．The strengthened father-son bond. | B．Dad’s remarkable basketball skills. |
| C．The festive atmosphere hanging over. | D．The tasty food enjoyed by the family. |
| A．differ. | B．build. | C．stick. | D．fade. |
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